EXCLUSIVE I'm a property stager and these are 10 essential steps to prepare your home for a successful September sale Liv Conlon, 25, originally from Glasgow, is the CEO of ThePropertyStagers READ MORE: Brits who have immigrated Down Under reveal the grass really is greener with 'better pay' 'friendlier people' and 'relaxed lifestyle' By Liv Conlon Published: 02:55 EDT, 29 August 2024 | Updated: 02:56 EDT, 29 August 2024 e-mail View comments A property stager has revealed her ten top tips for homeowners looking to sell their house in September. Liv Conlon, 25, originally from Glasgow but who now lives in Marbella, is the CEO of ThePropertyStagers, which furnishes homes to make them more appealing to potential buyers. Speaking to FEMAIL, she revealed that September will bring a buyer buzz around the market, with more people looking to buy homes compared to last year.
Here she explains the ten steps to take to get your home ready to sell in September. Liv Conlon (pictured), 25, originally from Glasgow, who is the CEO of ThePropertyStagers, has revealed her top tips to prepare your home for a successful sale 'As summer comes to a close, we're entering one of the hottest (not weather wise) periods to sell your home,' 'From September to October, the market experiences a second flurry of activity, with the first period being in spring. Liv continued: 'The summer holiday season is over, and people are back to their routines, looking to move before the festive season sets in.
'However, for the first time in a long time, we're embracing the momentum that has already been built in August. 'Whilst the distractions of school summer holidays traditionally bring a dip in prices, this year there has been a degree of buyer buzz around the market that was missing in the peak-mortgage-rate market at this time last year. 'As anticipated in Rightmove's July report, the first Bank of England rate cut for four years at the start of the month and has helped to accelerate mortgage rate drops and contributed significantly to improved buyer demand.
'These better conditions are helping to set up a positive autumn market, and are a further spur to activity following the Bank Rate cut, which has led Rightmove to raise its 2024 forecast from a one per cent drop over the whole of 2024 to a 1 per cent rise in new seller asking prices. 'To fully capitalise on the momentum and achieve the peak price possible, here are ten things I recommend you do in August to ensure your home is in top shape and ready to impress buyers come September.' Liv's company furnishes more than 400 homes a year in the UK to make them more appealing to potential buyers Here, Liv reveals her top ten tips that can make a big difference in showcasing your home in the best light.
1. Declutter and depersonalise your space Liv explained: 'The first step in preparing your home for sale is to declutter and depersonalise. Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, and personal items can distract from this.
'Start by removing family photos, memorabilia, and any items that are specific to your personal taste. 'Clear out excess furniture and knick-knacks to create a more open and inviting space. 'Consider renting a storage unit if you have a lot of items to remove.
The goal is to create a neutral environment where potential buyers can imagine their own belongings.' 2. Deep clean every corner Next, Liv urged homeowners to deep clean their space.
She said: 'A clean home is non-negotiable when selling. In August, take the time to deep clean your entire house. 'This means more than just a regular cleaning — focus on areas that are often overlooked, such as baseboards, light fixtures, vents and windows.
'Steam clean carpets, polish hardwood floors, and scrub tile grout. If you have pets, make sure to eliminate any lingering odours. 'Consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure your home is spotless.
A sparkling clean home not only looks better in photos but also gives buyers the impression that the property has been well-maintained.' Liv explained that deep cleaning every corner of the home is likely to increase the chances of its sale 3. Refresh Your Home's Curb Appeal The CEO continued: 'First impressions matter, and your home's exterior is the first thing buyers will see.
August is the perfect time to enhance your curb appeal. 'Start by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and pulling weeds. Add fresh mulch to garden beds and plant some late-summer flowers to add a pop of colour.
'Power wash the driveway, walkways, and siding to remove dirt and grime. Consider painting your front door a welcoming colour and updating your house numbers or mailbox for a quick, impactful upgrade. A well-maintained exterior invites buyers to see more.
' 4. Make necessary repairs Liv also explained the importance of making repairs. She said: 'Before listing your home, take care of any necessary repairs.
Walk through your home with a critical eye and make a list of things that need fixing. 'This could include leaky faucets, broken tiles, or cracked windows. Addressing these issues before buyers spot them can prevent them from negotiating for a lower price.
'If you have larger repairs, such as a leaky roof or faulty electrical system, consider getting them fixed before listing. 'A home that appears well-maintained can instil confidence in buyers and lead to a quicker sale.' She added that neutral decor, including beige, grey, or white colours, can make spaces feel larger and more inviting 5.
Neutralise and update your decor Liv said: 'While your home may be perfectly decorated to your taste, it's important to remember that not all buyers will share your style. 'In August, take the time to neutralise your décor. Paint walls in neutral tones such as beige, grey, or white, which can make spaces feel larger and more inviting.
'Replace bold or outdated light fixtures with modern, understated ones. Swap out heavy drapes for light, airy curtains that let in natural light. 'By creating a more neutral backdrop, you allow buyers to envision how they would personalise the space.
' 6. Stage your home to highlight its best features Liv's next tip was to highlight the home's best features. She said: 'Home staging is an essential step in the selling process, and August is the perfect time to get it done.
'Staging involves arranging furniture and decor to highlight your home's best features. 'For example, if you have a beautiful fireplace, arrange the seating area to draw attention to it. 'In the kitchen, keep countertops clear except for a few well-placed decorative items, such as a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers.
'Don't forget outdoor spaces — stage your patio or deck with inviting furniture to showcase the potential for outdoor living. 'If you're unsure how to stage your home, consider hiring a professional stager who can maximise its appeal.' Liv explained that a homeowner looking to sell their house should enhance natural lighting as much as possible 7.
Enhance Your Lighting She explained: 'Good lighting can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived. Focus on enhancing your home's lighting to make it feel bright and welcoming. 'Start by replacing any burnt-out bulbs and consider upgrading to higher wattage bulbs for more light.
If your home has dark corners, add floor portable lamps to brighten them up. 'In rooms with limited natural light, consider installing additional light fixtures or adding mirrors to reflect light and create a more open feel. 'Proper lighting can make rooms feel larger and more inviting, which is crucial when selling.
' 8. Optimise Your Outdoor Spaces Next, Liv explained how to increase the appeal of outdoor spaces, saying: 'In late summer, outdoor spaces are still a major selling point. Make sure your backyard, patio, or deck is ready to impress potential buyers.
Liv's top ten tips to improve prepare your home for a successful sale 1. Declutter and depersonalise your Space 2. Deep clean every corner 3.
Refresh your home's curb appeal 4. Make necessary repairs 5. Neutralise and update your decor 6.
Stage your home to highlight Its best features 7. Enhance your lighting 8. Optimise your outdoor spaces 9.
Enhance storage spaces 10. Plan for professional photography and marketing Advertisement 'Clean and arrange outdoor furniture to create inviting spaces where buyers can imagine relaxing or entertaining. 'If you have a pool, ensure it's clean and well-maintained.
'Consider adding some potted plants or outdoor lighting to enhance the ambiance. 'Even small touches, like a fresh doormat or outdoor pillows, can make a big difference. A well-presented outdoor area can be a significant selling point, especially for buyers who enjoy outdoor living.
' 9. Enhance Storage Spaces Liv continued: 'Buyers are always looking for ample storage, so August is a great time to organise and enhance your home's storage areas. 'Start by decluttering closets, pantries, and any storage rooms.
Remove excess items and organise what's left to showcase the available space. 'Consider adding shelving, closet organisers, or built-in storage solutions to maximise space. 'Ensure that garage and basement areas are clean and well-organised as well, making them appear more spacious and functional.
' 10. Plan for professional photography and marketing Liv also highlighted the importance of professional photography when selling a home. She said: 'Once your home is in top shape, you'll want to ensure it's presented in the best possible light to potential buyers.
'High-quality photography is crucial in today's real estate market, where most buyers start their search online. Schedule a professional photographer to capture your home at its best. Make sure to coordinate the shoot for a sunny day (I know, it's rare) with plenty of natural light.
'In addition to photos, consider creating a virtual tour or video walkthrough of your home, which can be especially appealing to out-of-town buyers. 'Work with your estate agent to develop a marketing strategy that includes online listings, social media, and possibly even a dedicated website for your property. 'The more exposure your home gets, the more likely you are to find the right buyer quickly.
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